This training will introduce and review resources for professionals working with families of infants and toddlers with hearing loss, dual-sensory impairment and children with complex needs.

Communication in young children who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or DeafBlind is one skill that we can help them to cultivate in order to have the most positive outcomes later in life. Developing routines and strategies in order to enhance communication is one way that professionals, caregivers and families can decrease risk and promote positive later outcomes. There will be opportunities for discussion, examples of strategies utilized with families, and direct connections with the Guide By Your Side, Deaf Hard of Hearing Guide Program.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

Define the terms deaf, Deaf and DeafBlind

Describe 5 deafness related resources that can be utilized with families

Explain the peer support and role models available to families of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing through Guide By Your Side

Identify routines that families can use to promote communication in children

Discuss the benefits of incorporating the Communication Plan or its components in IFSP development

Target Audience

This workshop is intended for Early Intervention service coordinators, providers, teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing, teachers of the visually impaired, early childhood education teachers, speech & language therapists, audiologists, special health care needs consultants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and parents of infants and young children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or at risk for deaf-blindness

Please use the comments for discussion and to contribute your reviews, perspective and thoughts. Your colleagues and other visitors will appreciate it! If you need help, please contact us. Requests for help will not be answered in comments.

Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this training. Contact: Linda Rhine, at 800-360-7282, or lrhine@pattan.net.